Record now stands at 7-0 overall and 3-0 in Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division
By Jim Beers
CHESTER – The Chester High School YellowJacket Football Team continues to fly high and maintain its undefeated season with a non-conference win at Dupo. The Jackets defeated the Tigers, 48-14, on the road Friday October 11 to keep up the momentum that has been the buzz of the area as of late.
The Jackets wasted no time getting started and scored three touchdowns in the opening quarter. Zain Al-Jassim hit Devante Palacio for a 65-yard touchdown pass right away on the first play from scrimmage and Karim Landeros kicked the extra-point as Chester led, 7-0.
Chester’s Justin Hayman had a big night against Dupo Friday October 11 when the YellowJackets traveled to Tiger Country to challenge Dupo. Hayman, a 5’10”, 215 pound wide receiver and defensive back, had back-to-back touchdowns in the first quarter to give Chester a 21-0 lead after one quarter of play. Both of Hayman’s touchdowns were 5-yard bursts across the finish line with YellowJacket kicker, Karin Landeros, a 5’9″, 165 Lb. sophomore, kicking the extra-points. Jim Beers Photo
Justin Hayman ran 5-yards for Chester’s second touchdown and Karim Landeros kicked the extra-point. Chester led, 14-0. To close out the first quarter Justin Hayman ran for his second 5-yard touchdown of the night and Karim Landeros kicked his third extra-point of the night to boost Chester’s score to 21-0.
In the second quarter, Brenden Malley caught a 6-yard pass from CHS quarterback Zain Al-Jassim and took it in for Chester’s fourth touchdown and Karim Landeros kicked his fourth extra-point to give the YellowJackets a 28-0 halftime lead.
Following the halftime break, Chester quarterback, Zain Al-Jassim, scored a fifth YellowJacket touchdown on a 5-yard quarterback keeper. Karim Landeros remained perfect in kicking his fifth extra-point of the game and the Jacket Express extended its lead to 35 points, 35-0.
Before the third quarter buzzer sounded, Dupo scored a touchdown on a 9-yard pass to give the Tigers their first points of the game. Their extra-point attempted was good and they trailed, 35-7, after three quarters of play.
The YellowJackets were not done yet, however, as they added a pair of touchdowns in the fourth quarter to top off a decisive game!
Kolton Jany scored on a 2-yard run across the goal line for Chester’s sixth touchdown. Karin Landeros add his 6th extra-point giving him an unblemished kicking record in the win. The Jackets extended their lead to 42-7 to start the 4th period.
The Jackets were not done yet, however, as Ethan Clovis crossed the goal line for the 7th time in the game on a 17-yard touchdown. CHS attempted a two-point conversion but failed. CHS led, 48-7.
To close out the game, Dupo scored one more time on a 10-yard run and made their extra-point kick for their second touchdown of the evening. The extra-point kick was good and as the final horn sounded, Chester won, 48-14.
In the win, the YellowJackets ran 66 plays vs 44 for Dupo. Chester accumulated 439 yards (139 passing and 300 rushing) and Dupo accumulated 189 yards (168 passing and 21 rushing). The Jackets recorded 20 first downs and the Tigers had 10 first downs. CHS was 3-of-4 on 4th downs (75%) and DHS was 0-1 on 4th downs (0%). On 3rd downs, the Jackets were 5-of-11 (45%) while the Tigers were 3-for-8 (38%).
Chester did not turn the ball over in the win. Dupo had four turnovers (2 fumbles and 2 interceptions). Chester was called for 9 penalties for 32 yards while Dupo was called for 6 penalties for 76 yards.
Chester quarterback, Zain Al-Jassim connected for 11-of-14 passes for 139 yards and 2 touchdowns. Dupo connected for 9-of-21 passes, 168 yards and 1 TD. Chester intercepted two of the Tiger passes.
Devante Palacio led the Jackets in receiving with three receptions for 92 yards and 1 TD. Brenden Malley caught three passes for 31 yards and 1 TD. Kolton Jany had two receptions for 10 yards and Justin Hayman recorded two catches for 5 yards. Finally, Tray Peters had one reception for one yard. All total, CHS recorded 139 passing yards.
The YellowJackets had a great night on the ground racking up a total of 300 rushing yards. Leading swarm was Kolton Jany who had 111 yards on 16 carries. He added a touchdown to cap-off a great night.
Other CHS contributors included Tray Peters (9 carries, 100 yards, 1 TD); Ethan Colvis (6 carries for 45 yards and 1 TD); Zain Al-Jassim (5 carries, 14 yards and 1 TD); Devante Palacio (1 carry for 14 yards); Justin Hayman (3 carries for 11 yards and 1 TD); Alex Blechle and (1-for-4); Kanon Jany (1-for-1).
The Jacket defense played well holding the Tigers to just 189 yards total (168 passing and only 21 yards running). The Swarm also allowed just two touchdowns. For the night Chester’s defensive unit recorded 26 solo tackles, 16 tackle assists, 1 tackle for a loss, but no quarterback sacks.
When asked what his thoughts were regarding the win, CHS Head Coach Billy Belton said, “Kolton Jany had a great game on both sides of the ball. He caused a fumble early in the game. Dupo was going to score and he knocked the ball out of the running back’s hand and it went into the end zone for a touchback. We then went down and scored. Kolton has been making plays for us on both sides of t ball.”
“Our offensive line played extremely well. We rushed for 300 yards and we had two backs go for over 100 yards. Coaches Riggio, Roth, and Mueller have done a great job with the line and running backs!”
“Zain had another big day. Three TD’s, two passing and one running. He started the day off with a big bang. On the first play from scrimmage Al-Jassim threwz a touchdown pass to Devante Palacio. Brenden Malley has also been playing really well on the offensive side of the ball. He is a great weapon!”
“Overall I am so proud of the way the boys played. The defense held Dupo’s boys in check. They only rushed for 21 yards. Our defensive backs played really well as we asked them to play man-to-man. Cayden Brunkhorst had another interception. This was his fourth of the season. He has been playing on defense and special teams.”
When asked about this week’s match up with Red Bud, Belton said, “We have a great opportunity this week to play for another conference championship. Red Bud is always fun. They have a great team and are coached well. We are going to have a great week of practice and I now the boys will be extremely fired up for this one!”
Chester hosts Red Bud Friday October 18 at 7:00 p.m. at W.O. Smith Field at CHS. The YellowJackets have a fantastic opportunity to win the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division Championship with a win over Red Bud. W.O. Smith Field promises to be a wonderful atmosphere!
This will also be CHS Senior Night” for all fall sports. Ceremonies will begin at 6:30 p.m. prior to the football pre-game show. Each fall sport will be recognized during the ceremony with YellowJacket Marching Band and Dance Team being honored at halftime.